Auto Trend and Auto Insurance News

The RDX, as in Acura RDX from Honda, is a Japanese SUV. This key, on my new custom Acura key chain, operates a worldly vehicle. The creators are Japanese, but it was designed for the American market. The topper is that it drives like a German sports car.

My satin chrome valet key chain is engineered to last a lifetime, just like my new Acura RDX. The valet key chain is designed to come apart so the vehicle key will be on one end and the home and office keys will be on the other. It is really two key chains in one. The Acura RDX is really two vehicles in one, a sporty sedan, and a load carrying SUV perfect for all those outdoor trips camping or skiing. Just check out the innovative storage compartments, plus comfortable seating for five in this shamelessly under priced car.

The Acura RDX is turbo charged, and when it kicks in, it makes a wonderful whooshing sound. It has the same excitement factor when driving that can be possible with the BMW 3 series. You are strongly tempted to pull out all the stops and drive it hard. In a 1,000 mile southern California comparison test with 4 compact SUVs, the RDX came is first, no sweat.

Comfort along with major performance is the goal of over 20 years of research and development. A good example of high tech is the tilt steering wheel which also telescopes. Safety has not been neglected with the Acura RDX. It was rated highest (5 stars) in frontal and side crash tests, as well as having electronic stability control. No wonder this company is a leader in safety, putting into practice their goals of creating and improving an environmentally sound line of automobiles.

Acura’s concern with the environment includes recognizing the impact they have on the community in Lincoln, Alabama where the factory is located. Acura has made it a point to preserve the environment at the manufacturing facility and beyond by installing state of the art pollution control devices. Acura commits to efficiently using materials and energy to preserve the natural state of their factory location. The goal of producing greener, more fuel efficient cars, with lower emissions, and excellent aerodynamic designs, keeps everyone striving to build better automobiles and environment.

Acura has just celebrated their 20th anniversary of producing better and better cars. Among the innovations, are offering up to $1,000 towards the cost of aftermarket adaptive equipment so those with disabilities will have the same opportunities to drive and ride in this vehicle.

Just as the Acura has several models in their line of vehicles, there are also several choices in the style of key chain, you choose to compliment your car. Most of these are designed to be handsome and long lasting, can be customized, and may well be the collectible of the future. So you may want to order more than one of them, so you and your spouse and everyone else in the family can each have one.

Acura RSX is a sport coupe for drivers who want performance and sophistication. That sophistication extends from the well-appointed cockpit to the superb driving dynamics.

Honda’s powerful twin-cam engines, well-tuned sports suspensions, and four-wheel disc brakes make the RSX an exciting ride. Supportive, contoured seats, excellent visibility, and all the conveniences make it a comfortable ride. RSX is also practical, with a useable back seat and expandable cargo space accessible through its rear hatch.

With its powerful, high-revving engine, Type-S is a terrific car for the single, upwardly mobile driving enthusiast. The standard RSX is appointed well, but may be a bit firm for buyers who suffer a grinding daily commute.

RSX is unchanged for 2003, but a new performance kit is available for the Type-S.

Model Lineup

RSX breaks from Acura’s CL, TL, RL nomenclature. The X in RSX means this is one of Acura’s specialty models, like the NSX and the new TSX. RSX is only available as a two-door coupe. Though called a coupe, it is a hatchback in practical use.

Two engines are available. The base RSX ($19,975) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 160 horsepower. It comes with a five-speed manual transmission, or optional five-speed automatic with SportShift ($20,875). Cloth is standard. Perforated leather upholstery ($1075) is optional.

RSX Type-S ($23,270) gets a 200-horsepower version of the same 2.0-liter inline-4. Type-S comes exclusively with a six-speed close-ratio manual gearbox. Leather is standard. Also standard is a Bose AM/FM/cassette/six-disc in-dash CD changer with seven speakers, including a big woofer.

Otherwise, there aren’t any options. So you only need to make two major choices: whether you want cloth or leather, and if you want leather, whether you want the more powerful engine and related sports equipment. There’s no need for options because the base RSX models come standard with all of the convenience features of the more powerful Type-S: automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows and locks, power moonroof, antilock brakes, and 16-inch alloy wheels. RSX also comes standard with a premium six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo.

Acura is offering a performance package for RSX Type-S, which is installed at dealerships ($4,800 plus installation). The package includes high-performance, track-tuned shocks and springs, slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads, lightweight 17×7.5-inch alloy wheels, high-performance tires (225/45VR17), a factory rear wing, underbody spoiler kit, and special interior trim. This is the first time Acura has offered a comprehensive high-performance kit to be installed by dealers and covered under a factory warranty.

From : http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2003_Acura_RSX&ReviewID=1332

The Acura MDX offers an outstanding V6 powertrain, seven-passenger seating and a standard four-wheel-drive system that prevents skids almost before they happen. Neat styling, attention to detail, excellent crash protection and competitive pricing increase the appeal of this luxury SUV.

Introduced in 2001, MDX was named North American Truck of the Year by a panel of 50 independent automotive journalists. Through the four model years since, the MDX has been steadily improved in all areas.

The body has grown more rigid, allowing better vibration control and a smoother ride. Power has increased, and a more compact five-speed automatic transmission shifts even more smoothly than before. MDX’s standard VTM-4 four-wheel drive system has been remapped to work seamlessly with a new Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) system to improve handling on slippery surfaces and to enhance stability in all conditions. Acura has updated the optional navigation system and added a rearview camera that engages when the transmission is in reverse. A DVD entertainment system with wireless infrared headphones is now available.

For 2004, MDX gets another round of updates. This is what the auto industry calls a mid-cycle revision, and the improvements are as extensive as any undertaken so far. Horsepower and torque increase, thanks to a new dual-exhaust system. The 2004 MDX sports new front- and rear-end styling, redesigned alloy wheels, a new Side Curtain Airbag system that helps to protect occupants in all three rows, and interior upgrades that include enhanced interior lighting with ambient footlights and entry illumination.

In short, the attributes that earned MDX awards remain and have been refined. This so-called luxury SUV remains one of the best values in the class.

Model Lineup

The MDX is an Acura, so it follows the brand’s all-inclusive price strategy, with limited options. It’s offered in a single trim level, powered by a 3.5-liter, 265-hp V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

MDX ($36,400) comes standard with a long list of luxury and convenience features, including many that are extra-cost options on its competitors: leather seating surfaces and leather door inserts; keyless remote entry; power windows, door locks and mirrors; power tilt-and-slide moonroof; cruise control; seven-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo with in-dash CD player; power adjustable front seats; alloy wheels and a multi-function digital trip computer. For 2004, there’s also a standard tire pressure monitoring system that uses sensors in the valve stem of each wheel to alert the driver when tire pressure drops significantly below the recommended level.

Even with a host of improvements, 2004 MDX prices reflect a modest price increase of $700, or less than 2 percent compared to 2003. Prices for the three options offered have not changed.

The Touring package ($2600) adds a killer 200-watt, eight-speaker Acura/Bose music system with in-dash six-disc CD changer; a keyless remote linked to the two-position driver’s seat and mirror memory system; eight-way adjustable passenger seat; roof rack; an outside mirror that tilts to track progress while backing up; rain-sensing windshield wipers and special alloy wheels.

Acura’s DVD Entertainment System ($1500) for rear-seat passengers adds a seven-inch widescreen display that flips down from the ceiling at the push of a button. The system comes complete with two infrared (IR) wireless headphones and a wireless remote control. Kids dig it.

The DVD-based Navigation System ($2200) needs only one disc to cover the entire continental U.S. Recent enhancements include voice recognition and upgraded graphics. The system includes a rearview camera that transmits pictures from behind the vehicle onto the navigation screen when the MDX is in reverse gear, but it can only be ordered with the Touring package.
From : http://nctd.com/review-intro.cfm?Vehicle=2004_Acura_MDX&ReviewID=1500

Acura felt it should have a car to compete with the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, so it came up with the TSX, an intriguing car that does much with little. It starts with a European Honda Accord, slightly smaller than ours, including the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, and adds impeccable execution all the way to your driveway. That execution is what the TSX pits against the benchmark BMW 325.

Honda’s 200-horsepower engine boasts a broad torque curve that responds immediately to the drive-by-wire throttle and quick work with its sweet gearbox. The suspension dances to the tune of a European sports sedan. The brakes scrub off triple-digit speeds without drama and the pedals are set up well for effortless heel-and-toe braking and downshifting. For an enthusiast, the 2004 Acura TSX eliminates the lust for European-market cars.

Model Lineup

The lineup for the Honda TSX couldn’t be simpler. There is a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a five-speed automatic with Sequential Sport Shift, for $26,490. The only option is a $2000 navigation system, in which Acura takes pride: it’s intuitive, thorough and fairly easy to operate.

Notable standard equipment includes a 200-horsepower version of the 2.4-liter double-overhead-cam iVTEC engine, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, 17-inch alloy wheels with V-rated performance tires, perforated leather seating, side curtain airbags, moonroof, HID headlights, and 360-watt Acura premium audio system with six-disc CD changer and eight speakers.

Not satisfied with just being good-looking and well-equipped, The 2005 edition of the Acura TL bespeaks smoothness, inside and out.
int

The interior is thoughtfully laid out, nice healthy analog knobs where needed, and buttons large enough not to miss. The navigation system is simply the most useful and (more important) easy to use. The seating is very comfortable fore and aft with good cargo space under the fully retracting trunk lid.
gauges

Now that is how instruments should be illuminated! My theory is that some eager young design engineers keep showing automotive managers artists renderings of “cool and sexy” all-red instrument ilumination. On paper, maybe. In real live driving situations, you can have your blurry dashes. Besides, a red indicator should be indicating a problem.
logo

We had a gas with the 270-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6 which provided plenty of power at any engine speed. The automatic transmission is absolutely seamless; you’ll have to concentrate to notice gear changes. The steering and handling are precise without being hyper-sensitive. It’s all been carefully balanced. It is quite simply an effortless drive - winning plaudits equally from male and female drivers and passengers. Don’t you dare think about sports sedans without including the Acuras.
Specs » Read more after the jump →

SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL: Acura RL
ENGINE: 3.5-liter V6
HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 300 hp @ 6,200 rpm/260 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 5-speed automatic with sequential sport shift
WHEELBASE: 110.2 in.
LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT: 193.6 x 72.7 x 57.1 in.
TIRES: P245/50R17 all-season
TRUNK: 13.1 cu. ft.
ECONOMY: 18 mpg city/26 mpg highway
PRICE: $49,470

Acura may have been one of the first Japanese luxury car nameplates, but it has never gained the reputation for super-luxury that the Lexus LS or Infiniti Q have. Yet, with a smaller 3.5-liter V6 engine compared to the V8 engines of the competition, the Acura RL doesn’t lack for performance or luxury.

The RL’s first impression is a neat one. There’s no key, as is the fashion with many cars these days. Just keep the key fob with you and sensors in the car will recognize it and unlock the doors when you approach. You also don’t need a key to fire up the engine, nor is there one of those annoying “engine start” buttons. You turn the ignition switch as you would if you had a key, but there isn’t one.

The 3.5-literSOHC V6 engine is quiet, yet it offers a load of power. Delivering 300 horsepower, there’s nothing this engine can’t do. It can get you to illegal speeds quickly, and can get you through any winding road you choose to look for.

» Read more after the jump →

One must make rapid adjustments in this business. After a week driving the Honda Ridgeline pickup and acclimating to its size I traded it in for a strikingly red (Milano Red they call it) Acura TSX. My first impression was how tiny the rear-view mirrors are. Oh yea, this is a little car not a big trailer-hauler. And, look at that; a stubby little shifter with a six-speed pattern imprinted on its brass-colored, perhaps nickel, leather-wrapped knob. We’re going to enjoy this one.

The Japanese-built TSX, first introduced as a 2004 model, is Acura’s entry into the small sport sedan market, competing with BMW 3-Series, Audi A-4, Mercedes C-class and Lexus IS. And a good competitor it is. Based on the European Accord platform it’s smaller and much more agile than the US Accord. At around, $30,000 this 5-passenger, front-wheel-drive sport sedan with amazing standard content is a real contender in its class.

» Read more after the jump →